Explanation at your level:
When you explain, you help someone understand. If your friend does not know how to play a game, you explain the rules. You use simple words to make it clear. You can say, 'Can you explain this to me?' if you are confused.
To explain means to give details about something. You might explain why you are late or explain how a machine works. It is a very useful word for school and daily life. Always remember to say 'explain to' when you talk to a person.
Explain is a standard verb used to clarify information. It is often used in professional settings, like when you explain a project to your boss. It is important to be clear and logical. You can explain your point of view, explain the difference between two things, or ask someone to explain their behavior.
At this level, you will use explain in more complex contexts. You might explain the implications of a policy or explain away a minor mistake. It is about providing context and nuance. You will often hear phrases like 'let me explain the situation' or 'it is difficult to explain'.
In advanced English, explain is used to articulate sophisticated concepts. You might explain the underlying mechanisms of a complex system or explain the rationale behind a controversial decision. It implies a high level of clarity and rhetorical skill. You can also use it to explain away discrepancies in data or explain the significance of a historical event.
At the mastery level, explain takes on deeper dimensions. You might explain the nuances of a philosophical argument or explain the subtle shifts in cultural trends. It is about synthesis and depth. You may also encounter it in literary contexts where a character must explain their motivations or explain the meaning of their existence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Explain means to make something clear.
- Always use 'to' when mentioning a person.
- It is a versatile, neutral verb.
- The noun form is explanation.
At its core, to explain is to bridge the gap between confusion and clarity. When you explain something, you are acting as a guide, taking a listener through the 'how' and 'why' of a topic.
Think of it as untangling a knot. If someone is confused about a math problem or a life event, your explanation provides the structure they need to see the big picture. It is a fundamental social skill used in every part of life, from teaching a child to tie their shoes to presenting a business strategy to a board of directors.
The word explain comes from the Latin word explanare, which literally means 'to make level' or 'to flatten'. This is a fascinating metaphor: by smoothing out the 'bumps' or complexities of a topic, you make it easier for others to walk across the path of knowledge.
It entered Middle English via the Old French explainer. Over time, the meaning shifted from the physical act of flattening something out to the intellectual act of smoothing out a confusing idea. It is a perfect example of how language evolves from physical actions to abstract, cognitive processes.
You use explain in almost any context where information needs to be clarified. It is a neutral, versatile verb. You might explain a situation to a friend, explain the rules of a game, or explain your reasoning in a formal essay.
Common collocations include 'explain clearly', 'explain in detail', and 'explain away'. Note that we often use 'explain to' (e.g., 'Please explain this to me') rather than just 'explain me'. Using the preposition 'to' is essential for grammatical accuracy.
- Explain away: To try to make an excuse for something so that it seems less bad.
- Need some explaining: Used when something is suspicious or strange.
- Beyond explanation: Something so strange it cannot be understood.
- Let me explain: A common phrase used to pause a conversation and provide context.
- Explain the ropes: To teach someone how to do a job or activity.
The verb explain is regular, forming the past tense as explained. In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the second syllable: /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Be careful not to stress the first 'ex' too heavily.
Grammatically, it is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object. You explain *something* to *someone*. A common mistake is saying 'explain me the answer'—always remember to include the 'to' preposition when mentioning the person receiving the information.
Fun Fact
The word originally had nothing to do with talking; it was about physical leveling!
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a short 'ik' sound, followed by a long 'ay' sound in the second syllable.
Similar to UK, clear stress on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Stressing the first syllable (EX-plain)
- Forgetting the 'n' at the end
- Adding an extra sound after 'ex'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very common word
Easy to use
Needs care with prepositions
Very common
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Reported Speech
He explained that he was tired.
Indirect Objects
Explain it to me.
Phrasal Verbs
Explain away the problem.
Examples by Level
Please explain this word to me.
explain = make clear
explain + object + to + person
Can you explain the rules?
She explains the game well.
He explains his homework.
They explain the plan.
I explain the story.
We explain the trip.
Explain the color.
Can you explain why you are late?
The teacher explained the math problem.
He explained how the computer works.
She explained the recipe to me.
Please explain your answer.
They explained the situation clearly.
I cannot explain this feeling.
Did he explain the change?
The manual explains how to assemble the chair.
She explained her reasons for leaving.
Can you explain the difference between these two?
He tried to explain the complex theory.
The article explains the benefits of exercise.
They explained the new company policy.
It is hard to explain what happened.
She explained the process in detail.
He explained away his tardiness with a flat tire.
The scientist explained the phenomenon to the public.
She explained the nuances of the contract.
Can you explain the logic behind this decision?
The report explains why the project failed.
He explained the situation to the board.
It is difficult to explain the emotional impact.
They explained the potential risks clearly.
The author explains the socio-economic context of the era.
He was able to explain away the inconsistencies in the data.
The lecture explains the mechanics of quantum physics.
She explained the rationale behind her artistic choices.
The document explains the implications of the new law.
He explained the underlying causes of the crisis.
It is impossible to explain the depth of his grief.
They explained the intricate details of the design.
The philosopher explains the existential dread of the modern age.
She eloquently explained the subtleties of the poem.
The historian explains the legacy of the revolution.
He explained the manifold reasons for his departure.
The study explains the correlation between diet and health.
She explained away the rumors with grace.
It is beyond my power to explain such behavior.
He explained the hidden meanings in the text.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"explain away"
to make an excuse for something
He couldn't explain away his absence.
neutral"beyond explanation"
impossible to understand
The event was beyond explanation.
formal"let me explain"
a phrase used to start an explanation
Let me explain why I did that.
casual"need some explaining"
to require an account for something strange
This mess needs some explaining.
casual"explain the ropes"
to teach someone how to do something
She explained the ropes to the new intern.
casual"that explains it"
to understand why something happened
Oh, that explains it! Now I see why he was angry.
neutralEasily Confused
both involve talking about something
Describe is about features; Explain is about reasons/how.
Describe the car (red, fast). Explain how the car works (engine, fuel).
both mean to make clear
Clarify is usually for fixing confusion; Explain is for giving information.
I will clarify my previous statement.
both involve understanding
Interpret involves translating meaning or intent.
He interpreted the law.
both involve communication
Tell is just sharing info; Explain is giving details.
Tell me the time. Explain how the clock works.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + explain + object + to + person
He explained the rules to the team.
Subject + explain + that + clause
She explained that she was busy.
Subject + explain + how/why + clause
They explained how the machine works.
Subject + explain + away + object
He tried to explain away his mistake.
It + be + difficult + to + explain
It is difficult to explain the situation.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The verb 'explain' requires 'to' before the indirect object.
You cannot place the person directly after the verb.
Explain needs an object (what is being explained).
Tense consistency is required in reported speech.
Again, the 'to' preposition is missing.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a flat plane (the 'plain' part) appearing when you explain.
When Native Speakers Use It
Used constantly in meetings and classrooms.
Cultural Insight
Being able to explain things clearly is highly valued in English-speaking workplaces.
Grammar Shortcut
Always check for the 'to' if a person follows the verb.
Say It Right
Ensure the stress is on the second syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid saying 'explain me'.
Did You Know?
The word comes from the Latin for 'flattening'.
Study Smart
Try the 'ELI5' method to practice explaining topics.
Writing Tip
Use 'explain' to transition between paragraphs.
Speaking Tip
Pause before you explain to gather your thoughts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
EX-PLAIN: EXtra information makes it PLAIN to see.
Visual Association
Imagine a messy pile of clothes becoming a neat, flat stack.
Word Web
Challenge
Explain a hobby to a friend in three sentences.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To make level or flat
Cultural Context
None, it is a neutral term.
Used frequently in professional and educational settings to denote clarity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At School
- Explain the answer
- Explain the concept
- Explain the homework
At Work
- Explain the project
- Explain the policy
- Explain the reasoning
In Daily Life
- Explain what happened
- Explain the delay
- Explain the problem
Technical Support
- Explain the error
- Explain the steps
- Explain the fix
Conversation Starters
"Can you explain your favorite hobby to me?"
"How would you explain the internet to someone from 100 years ago?"
"Can you explain why you chose your current job?"
"What is something that is hard to explain?"
"Could you explain the rules of your favorite sport?"
Journal Prompts
Explain a mistake you made and what you learned.
Explain your morning routine in detail.
Explain why learning English is important to you.
Explain a complex idea as if you were teaching a child.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, when you mention the person you are talking to.
Yes, it ends in -ed in the past tense.
Explanation.
No, that is a common error.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
To make an excuse for something.
ik-SPLAIN.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails.
Test Yourself
Can you ___ this to me?
Explain is the correct verb for making something clear.
Which sentence is correct?
The preposition 'to' is required.
You can use 'explain' without an object.
Explain usually requires an object.
Word
Meaning
Matching phrasal verbs and synonyms.
Explain the situation to me.
Score: /5
Summary
To explain is to build a bridge of understanding between you and your listener.
- Explain means to make something clear.
- Always use 'to' when mentioning a person.
- It is a versatile, neutral verb.
- The noun form is explanation.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a flat plane (the 'plain' part) appearing when you explain.
When Native Speakers Use It
Used constantly in meetings and classrooms.
Cultural Insight
Being able to explain things clearly is highly valued in English-speaking workplaces.
Grammar Shortcut
Always check for the 'to' if a person follows the verb.
Example
Can you explain the rules of the game to me?
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Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More Communication words
aah
A1An interjection used to express relief, satisfaction, or pleasure, often in response to something pleasant or comforting. It can also be used to express pain or surprise, though this is less common and often indicated by tone.
accentuate
C1To make a particular feature of something more noticeable or prominent. It is frequently used to describe how one thing emphasizes the beauty, importance, or intensity of another.
acknowledgment
B2An acknowledgment is the act of accepting or admitting that something is true, or a formal statement confirming that something has been received. It can also refer to a public expression of thanks for someone's help or contribution.
actually
B1Actually is used to emphasize that something is a real fact or the truth, often contrasting with what was thought or said. It can also be used to introduce a surprising piece of information or to gently correct someone.
address
A2To speak or write to someone directly, or to deal with a specific problem or situation. It is commonly used when giving a speech, writing a destination on mail, or attempting to solve an issue.
addressee
B2The person or organization to whom a letter, package, or message is addressed. It refers to the intended recipient of a piece of communication.
adlocment
C1Describes a style of communication or behavior that is formal, directed, and oratorical in nature, specifically pertaining to a public address or a declamatory speech. It is used to characterize language that is intentionally designed to be heard by an audience for the purpose of instruction or inspiration.
adloctude
C1Describing a person or communicative style characterized by a formal and direct manner of address. It implies a state of being rhetorically accessible while maintaining a sense of authoritative presence.
admonish
C1To firmly warn or reprimand someone for their behavior, or to advise someone earnestly to do or avoid something. It often implies a sense of moral guidance or authoritative concern rather than just anger.
adpassant
C1To mention or address a secondary topic briefly and incidentally while focused on a primary task or discussion. It describes an action that occurs seamlessly 'in passing' without disrupting the main narrative or workflow.
